Student who suffered brain haemorrhage graduates from University
10 Aug 2016
Scott Clayton has graduated in Ancient History after suffering a brain haemorrhage during an operation to remove a cancerous tumour
Scott, who comes from Audenshaw, Tameside, was left with major weakness in his right side as a result and found it difficult to write.
But this week, with the help of the Natalie Kate Moss Trust, the 22-year-old graduated from the University with a degree in Ancient History.
Scott was just 15 when he was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour after an operation to relieve a build up of fluid on the brain and to take a biopsy. During this operation, he experienced a bleed on the brain, which resulted in a brain haemorrhage. He recovered most of the movement in his right side following rehabilitation and therapy, and was thrilled to secure a place here.
During his second year, Scott found out about the Natalie Kate Moss Trust – set up in memory of a former student to fund scholarships for students with brain injuries – and realised that he could apply for help to pay his way through university.
Scott said: “Finding out about the Natalie Kate Moss Trust and the support they were able to offer me was a massive relief.
“Coming from a low income family, receiving this scholarship really put my mind at ease as the money has helped me in in so many different ways.
“Moving out of university accommodation and back home after my first year of studying meant that I was then able to buy a bus pass which I would not have been able to afford without the trust’s help.”
On his recovery, Scott had to adapt to becoming a more visual learner as he wasn’t able to write as well as before.
He was able to use part of the scholarship to help pay towards printing credits to help continue with his studies, with some of the money also going towards a gym pass so he could actively continue his rehabilitation.
Scott added: “I really can’t thank everyone at the Natalie Kate Moss Trust enough for everything they have done for me.
“The support they have given me throughout my time at Manchester has just been amazing and really helped me build my confidence. Having this scholarship has meant that I could engage in lots of activities at university and socialise with my friends.”
Scott also completed the University’s widening participation scheme, Manchester Access Programme. Here’s a link to a video about Scott’s journey through the Manchester Access Programme (MAP) which was made to celebrate 10 years of the MAP.